Hayward's praise for U20 pack

A superb performance from the Wales Under 20 pack guided them to victory over Ireland

Wales Under 20 head coach Byron Hayward praised his forwards after their comfortable 16-0 defeat of Ireland in Athlone on Friday evening.

At half time we spoke about producing a big performance in the second half and the forwards stepped up to the plate

On a wet and windy night at Dubarry Park, Wales led just 3-0 at the break but with their pack to the fore in the second half, they scored 13 more points and more importantly, kept their own try line intact.

It all meant that Wales made it two wins from two in this year's Six Nations, a meeting with France in Parc Eirias a week on Saturday their next target.

"At half time we spoke about producing a big performance in the second half and the forwards stepped up to the plate," said Hayward.

"I thought we were tactically spot on. When he had our chances, we took them and Ethan Davies kicked our goals in the second half.

"We missed a few kicks at goal in the first half but the conditions were very tough. Our defence won us the game as well as the scrum and we move forward from here now."

Davies' swerving penalty goal was the only first half score but when the Dragons fly half found his range after the break, Wales took control. Captain Steffan Hughes crossed for the only try of the game with Davies converting and kicking a pair of further penalties.

"It's a fantastic result - the desire we showed was brilliant, especially in the defensive set at the end," said Hughes.

"Our defence was superb overall and I thought our front row were outstanding. It was a tight game but I thought the effort we showed throughout the game was top drawer. I'm very proud of all the boys."

Man of the match James Benjamin, who was at the heart of a supreme forward effort alongside props Nicky Smith and Nicky Thomas, said: "Our scrum was superb throughout and in the second half we just needed to get territory. We did that and we're pleased to get the win."

WRU International Skills Coach Jason Strange is a busy man, combining the new role with that of Wales Under 20 attack coach, Ebbw Vale head coach and continuing to teach at Ebbw Fawr Learning Community.

Warren Gatland and Sam Warburton look ahead to this week's crunch RBS 6 Nations tie against France, where the Wales skipper in particular is keen to make his mark, as Paris has proved a bleak place for him in the past.

Following their historic win over England, Wales Under 20 suffered a narrow, 36-34 loss to their Scottish counterparts last weekend, despite outscoring them by five tries to three. Watch the match highlights and reaction.

WRU TV go behind the scenes with the Wales squad as they put the final touches in place ahead of the clash against Scotland at Murrayfield. Follow the squad on their captain's run, the kickers visit to Murrayfield and Neil Jenkins' press conference